As Iran looks to a future free of sanctions, investors sizing up the country’s potential are finding that its years of isolation have left behind an obstacle-laden business environment, meaning that its seven free zones will play an essential role for early investors. But are they up to the job?

For so long cut off from much of the rest of the world, Iran is now back on limits for Western investors. Dr Mohammad Khazaee, vice-minister and president of the organisation for investment, economic and technical assistance of Iran, details what the country has to offer.

Foreign companies are renewing relations with Iran in anticipation of an agreement over its uranium enrichment programme. Will the lifting of sanctions allow the country to finally meet its potential as an investment destination? 

As the EU imposes an oil embargo on Iran and the screws tighten on neighbouring Syria, foreign companies doing business with the affected countries are scrambling to stay on the right side of the law while hedging against their losses. 

Across central Asia, from China to Kazakhstan, economies are set to benefit from the re-opening of trade routes along the historic Silk Road. Significant investment has already been made to improve the infrastructure along the route, but further investment, more cohesion between the central Asian countries involved and more politically stability in the region as a whole is needed if this great passageway between Asia and Europe is to return to its former glory.